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of them has sworn to uphold the law including those that they may not like. While she as an individual <br /> can make the choice to act differently and face the consequences, that same choice as a member of <br /> the Council means that every citizen must face those consequences. Therefore, as a member of the <br /> Council she does not have the luxury of advocating as she might as an individual. <br /> She discussed her involvement on the last Housing Element Task Force and while it was a difficult and <br /> often uncomfortable process, it ultimately yielded an inventory that spread high-density development <br /> throughout the city as fairly as was possible. She said she shared concerns over growth, overcrowding <br /> in schools and the demand on resources. However, she pointed out that those same arguments were <br /> likely used when the very homes that most of them live in today were developed and the best that <br /> anyone can do is to slow development down to the extent that is possible. She said she opposed a <br /> change in zoning on the CM Capital 2 site for several reasons — 1) it is crucial to maintain a buffer of <br /> very low and low income units; 2) a healthy community has a balance across the full spectrum of <br /> housing units, which would be compromised by a down-zoning at this site; 3) the potential precedent. <br /> She explained that the Parkside neighborhood and other stakeholders had an opportunity to engage <br /> during the last update. While she did recognize and appreciate their willingness to represent their <br /> respective interests and reach a compromise, she struggled with the fairness of saying "yes" to this <br /> neighborhood while saying "no" to others; and 4) she would be remiss in her representative obligation if <br /> she favored one neighborhood over another in terms of balancing the impacts. She felt that to overturn <br /> the decisions that resulted from a long and agonizing process was insulting. <br /> MOTION: It was moved by Cook-Kallio to approve submittal of the 2015-2023 Draft Housing <br /> Element Update to the General Plan to HCD, as amended to reflect the recommendations of the <br /> Economic Vitality Committee. Motion died for lack of a second. <br /> Vice-Mayor Pentin offered an amendment and second to the motion that was ultimately rejected. He <br /> agreed that the last update process was difficult but sound and resulted in a solid document and plan. <br /> However, he explained that he would like to support the request to reduce the zoning on the CM Capital <br /> 2 site to 12.5 units per acre with the caveat that it revert to its current zoning if HCD were to object. He <br /> said that for him it is largely about balance and doing what is right, which is to provide housing of all <br /> means. It is the responsibility of this Council to ensure that every member of this town is well <br /> represented, including those who may move here in the future. He stressed that affordable housing is <br /> about providing for seniors, the workforce and the developmentally disabled. He said that the draft <br /> document is literally leveraging the hard work of the previous Housing Element and he sees no reason <br /> for significant changes. The data presented tonight demonstrates a pattern of fairness and of slow and <br /> smart growth. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio said she appreciated the thoughtfulness of his comments. However, she <br /> could not support a reduction in zoning because it does nothing to ensure affordable housing and <br /> discounts the thoughtfulness with which these housing sites were distributed across the city. <br /> MOTION: It was moved by Pentin to approve submittal of the 2015-2023 Draft Housing <br /> Element Update to the General Plan to HCD, as amended to reflect the recommendations of the <br /> Planning Commission regarding the CM Capital 2 site and Economic Vitality Committee. Motion <br /> died for lack of a second. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked to bifurcate the issues so that she would not be in the position of <br /> voting against submittal of the Draft Element. <br /> MOTION: It was moved by Pentin to accept the Planning Commission recommendation to <br /> rezone the CM Capital 2 site to a density of 12.5 units per acre, with the with the caveat that it <br /> revert to its current zoning if HCD were to object. Motion died for lack of a second. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 13 of 17 September 2,2014 <br />